Measuring cup

ABSTRACT

The measuring cup includes numerous embodiments configured for a user to precisely determine the cup contents without need to lift the cup to one&#39;s eye level or to lower the eye level to the level of the cup contents. The various embodiments include folding cups; cups having transparent passages in the wall; cups having adjustably positionable bottoms; cups having level indicator rods in the cup interior extending upward from the cup bottom; cups having one or more filaments extending across the cup interior; cups having rigid level indicators spanning the cup interior; cups having adjustably positionable level indicator tabs therein; cups having buoyant level indicator tabs adjustably positionable in the cup interior; and cups having removable clip-on scales extending down along the interior of the cup wall, the scales having a plurality of attachment points for the removable attachment of a level indicator tab at a desired attachment point.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to measuring devices andsystems, and particularly to various embodiments of a measuring cup forliquids and other loose materials permitting the fill level to beprecisely determined by viewing from above the level of the contents ofthe cup.

2. Description of the Related Art

Measuring cups and containers having indicia for indicating variousquantities of contents therein have been known for a considerable periodof time. Such measuring cups and containers are generally formed ofglass or other transparent material with quantity indicia disposed alongthe outer surfaces thereof. While it is certainly possible to accuratelydetermine the quantity of material within the cup, this can only beaccomplished by lifting the container to one's eye level, oralternatively lowering the eye level to the level of the contents withinthe container.

Other measuring cups and containers formed of opaque materials have beenprovided in the past. These are generally provided in a limited numberof different capacities, and a specific cup or container is required foreach quantity desired. Certain other opaque containers have beenprovided with quantity indicia stamped or otherwise provided along theinterior wall of the container, but it can be difficult to fill suchcups or containers accurately to the desired quantity when the quantityis less than the total capacity of the container.

Thus, a measuring cup solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The measuring cup includes a large number of embodiments, eachpermitting the cup contents to be viewed from above, rather thanrequiring the cup to be lifted to the eye level of the user or for theuser to lower his or her line of sight to the level of the cup.

One group of embodiments comprises a folding cup wherein a plurality offold lines is formed at different levels circumferentially about thecup. These lines permit the wall of the cup to be everted along a givenline, thus lowering the upper edge of the wall and defining a volumeaccording to the upper edge of the wall along the fold line. Quantityindicators can be provided at or near the fold lines for furtherreference. One of the folding cup embodiments includes a smallercontainer formed integrally with the bottom of the cup for measuringrelatively small quantities. In another embodiment, the smallercontainer is detachable from the bottom of the cup.

Another group of embodiments includes transparencies in or through thewall of the cup, permitting the contents to be viewed as the contentsflow into the transparencies. Some such embodiments include transparenthorizontal tubes that communicate with the interior volume of the cupthrough passages in the wall of the cup. In one of these embodiments thetubes are permanently affixed to the cup, while in another embodiment asingle removable tube is provided, the unused passages being plugged byremovable plugs. In another embodiment, the removable tube can beinstalled vertically between passages. Still another embodiment includesa plurality of transparent windows in the cup wall, where unused windowsare plugged or covered from the interior of the cup. Another embodimentincludes a plurality of open ports through the wall of the cup, and atransparent window plug is installed in a selected one of the ports, theother ports being sealed by removable plugs.

Another group of embodiments includes an adjustably positionable bottomto adjust the internal volume of the cup. In one such embodiment, theheight of the adjustable bottom is set by hand, while another adjustablebottom embodiment includes a compression spring urging the adjustablebottom upward while a tensile member (string, etc.) extends out throughthe lower portion of the cup to adjust the level of the adjustablebottom downward.

Another group of embodiments includes one or more level indicator rodsextending upward from the bottom of the cup. One such embodimentincludes a plurality of such indicator rods, each of a different heightfrom the others to provide for measurement of different quantities inthe cup. Another such embodiment has a single level indicator rodextending up from the bottom, the indicator rod comprising a pluralityof removable segments to set the height of the uppermost segment. Anuppermost segment can have an indicator tab thereon to more preciselyindicate the desired level of the contents of the cup. In anotherembodiment, the level indicator tab is threaded onto a threaded rodextending up from the bottom of the cup. Yet another embodimentcomprises a single rod extending up from the bottom of the cup, the rodhaving a flange extending radially therefrom, the flange having a seriesof notches therein. The level indicator tab includes a passagetherethrough, the passage being congruent to the cross-sectional shapeof the rod and flange. The tab is placed over the rod and rotated whenaligned with one of the notches in the flange in order to set the heightof the tab. In still another embodiment, the rod has a series of notchestherein, and the level indicator tab has a slot that fits into any ofthe notches of the rod to set the height of the tab.

Another group of embodiments comprises one or more filaments (wire,thread, etc.) disposed across the interior of the cup. The filament(s)can be permanently installed in the cup, or can be removably attached bymeans of sockets that engage mating pins. The sockets can be provided onthe ends of the filament(s) and the pins on the internal wall of thecup, or the pins can be provided on the ends of the filament(s) and thesockets in the wall of the cup.

In other embodiments, the cup can have a plurality of horizontallyopposed sets of pins or rests extending inward from the inner wall. Alevel indicator includes a clip or clips on one or both ends. In onesuch embodiment, the level indicator has clips on both ends and issecured to horizontally opposed pins or rests extending from the innersurface of the cup wall. In another embodiment, a shorter indicator hasa clip on only one end, and is cantilevered from one attachment point onthe inner surface of the cup wall.

Another embodiment comprises a cup with a frustoconical exterior, theinterior having a plurality of vertically spaced, circumferential stepstherein. A corresponding plurality of level indicators is provided, theindicators being of different lengths corresponding to the horizontalspan between the various step levels. A selected indicator is placedacross the desired steps to indicate the desired level of contents inthe cup.

Another group of embodiments comprises at least one level indicator tabthat can be adjustably installed to any of a plurality of attachmentpoints along the inner surface of the cup wall. The attachment pointscan comprise a plurality of sockets, the level indicator tab having arod that plugs into the sockets, or the cup wall can have a plurality ofpins while the indicator tab has a cooperating socket for removableinstallation to a selected pin. A plurality of such tabs can beprovided, each having a quantity or level marked thereon.

Another group of embodiments has a level indicator comprising anattachment with a hinged rod extending therefrom. The rod includes afloat thereon. The attachment end of the rod can be a pin for insertioninto one of a plurality of sockets formed on the interior of the cupwall, or a socket to install on a cooperating pin extending inward fromthe cup wall.

Finally, another group of embodiments comprises a clip-on scale forremovable attachment to the rim of the cup. The scale extends into theinterior of the cup, and includes a plurality of attachment points for alevel indicator tab. In one embodiment, the scale includes a pluralityof sockets and the tab has a rod for removable installation in aselected one of the sockets. In another embodiment, the scale includes aplurality of pins, and the level indicator tab has a cooperating socketat the end of its arm.

These and other features of the present invention will become readilyapparent upon further review of the following specification anddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a measuring cupaccording to the present invention, wherein the measuring cup can befolded circumferentially.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the measuring cup of FIG. 1A, showingthe uppermost level everted.

FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the measuring cup of FIGS. 1A and 1B,showing the uppermost and penultimate levels everted.

FIG. 1D is an elevation view in section of the measuring cup of FIG. 1A,showing further details thereof.

FIG. 2 is an elevation view in section of a second embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the measuringcup includes an integral smaller cup in the bottom.

FIG. 3 is an elevation view in section of a third embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the measuringcup includes a removable smaller cup in the bottom.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a measuring cupaccording to the present invention, wherein the measuring cup has aplurality of transparent external horizontal level indicator tubes.

FIG. 4B is an elevation view in section of the measuring cup embodimentof FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a measuring cupaccording to the present invention, wherein the external horizontallevel indicator tubes are removable.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a measuring cupaccording to the present invention, wherein the removable levelindicator tube is disposed vertically.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view in section of a seventh embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cup has aplurality of transparent level indicator windows therein.

FIG. 8 is an elevation view in section of an eighth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cup has aplurality of selectively sealed ports and a transparent viewing portselectively installable therein.

FIG. 9 is an elevation view in section of a ninth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cup has anadjustable level bottom.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view in section of a tenth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the adjustablelevel bottom is biased upward by a spring and downward by a tensilemember.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view in section of an eleventh embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cup has aplurality of level indicator rods of different height from one anotherextending upward from the bottom.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view in section of a twelfth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein a single levelindicator rod having a plurality of selectively installable segmentsextends upward from the bottom.

FIG. 13 is partial perspective view of a thirteenth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the singlelevel indicator rod includes a horizontal indicator tab extending fromthe uppermost segment thereof, the cup bottom being broken away and insection.

FIG. 14 is a partial perspective view of a fourteenth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the levelindicator rod is threaded and the level indicator is cooperativelythreaded and disposed upon the rod, the cup bottom being broken away andin section.

FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a fifteenth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the levelindicator rod has a circular cross section with a radial extension, theextension being slotted, and the level indicator tab has a congruentpassage therethrough for selective placement in the slots of the rod,the cup bottom being broken away and in section.

FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of a sixteenth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the levelindicator rod is slotted and the level indicator tab includes a notchtherein for selective placement in the slots of the rod, the cup bottombeing broken away and in section.

FIG. 17 is an elevation view in section of a seventeenth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of horizontal level indicator filaments extendingthereacross.

FIG. 18 is an elevation view of an eighteenth embodiment of a measuringcup according to the present invention, wherein the cup includes aplurality of opposed pins therein and the filament includes sockets ateach end thereof for removable installation on the pins.

FIG. 19 is an elevation view of a nineteenth embodiment of a measuringcup according to the present invention, wherein the cup includes aplurality of opposed sockets therein and the filament includes pins ateach end for removable installation in the sockets.

FIG. 20 is an elevation view in section of a twentieth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of opposed pins therein and the level indicatorcomprises an elongate component with clips on the ends for selectivelyengaging the pins of the cup.

FIG. 21 is an elevation view in section of a twenty-first embodiment ofa measuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of steps therein with a corresponding plurality oflevel indicators selectively positionable thereacross.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view in section of a twenty-second embodimentof a measuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of selectively sealable ports therethrough and thelevel indicator has a pin selectively installable in the ports.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view in section of a twenty-third embodiment ofa measuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of pins therein and the level indicator has asocket selectively installable on the pins.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view in section of a twenty-fourth embodimentof a measuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of sockets therein and the level indicatorcomprises a hinged float on a pin, the pin being selectively installedin one of the sockets.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view in section of a twenty-fifth embodiment ofa measuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the cupincludes a plurality of pins therein and the level indicator comprises ahinged float on a socket, the socket being selectively installed on oneof the pins.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a twenty-sixth embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the levelindicator comprises a removable scale having a plurality of holestherein with a selectively installable pin and tab.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a twenty-seventh embodiment of ameasuring cup according to the present invention, wherein the levelindicator comprises a removable scale having a plurality of pinsextending therefrom with a selectively installable socket and tab.

Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistentlythroughout the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The measuring cup includes a plurality of embodiments, in which eachembodiment enables a user of the cup to determine the quantity or volumecontained within the cup without need to establish a horizontal sightline to the level in the cup. Thus, a user of any of the embodiments ofthe measuring cup may look down from above into the cup to determine theprecise level or volume of the contents therein, without needing to liftthe cup to his or her sight level or to lower his or her sight level tothe level of the contents of the cup.

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate a first embodiment 100 of the measuringcup, wherein at least one portion of the peripheral wall 102 of themeasuring cup 100 can be everted to lower the upper rim of the cup. Themeasuring cup 100 comprises a container having a peripheral wall 102 anda bottom 104 (shown in the elevation view in section of FIG. 1D), and atleast one fold line disposed circumferentially about the wall 102. Inthe example of FIGS. 1A through 1D, upper and lower fold lines,respectively 106 a and 106 b, are provided. The two fold lines 106 a and106 b define an upper wall portion 102 a, an intermediate wall portion102 b, and a lower wall portion 102 c. It will be seen that any desirednumber of additional fold lines can be provided, resulting in one morewall portion than the number of fold lines in each case. Correspondingquantity or level lines 108 can be provided along the wall 102 adjacentthe fold lines 106 a, 106 b, and/or otherwise located. The quantity orlevel lines or marks 108 can be provided on the inner and/or outersurface of the cup wall 102 to quantify the volume of the cup 100 in themetric, English, or other system.

Each of the fold lines 106 a, 106 b may comprise a more flexible line ofmaterial about the cup 100, although the whole wall of the cup isflexible, permitting folding where required. The fold lines 106 a, 106 bindicate where the cup 100 should be folded for a particularmeasurement. In the example of FIG. 1B, the upper wall portion 102 a hasbeen folded down along the upper fold line 106 a, everting the upperwall portion 102 a about the intermediate wall portion 102 b. Thislowers the maximum height of the cup 100 to limit the internal volumethereof to a predetermined level or volume as determined by the heightof the upper fold line 106 a above the bottom 104. In FIG. 1C the cup100 is folded along the lower fold line 106 b, everting the upper andintermediate wall sections 102 a, 102 b down around the lower wallportion 102 c. As the two wall portions 102 a, 102 b have a greatercollective height than the single lower wall portion 102 c, the cup 100of FIG. 1C is supported about the rim of the upper wall portion 102 awith the bottom 104 of the cup above the supporting surface,approximately level with the first fold line 106 a.

FIG. 2 of the drawings is an elevation view in section of a secondembodiment of the measuring cup, designated as measuring cup 200. Themeasuring cup 200 includes all of the features of the measuring cup 100of FIGS. 1A through 1D, i.e., a wall 202 having upper, intermediate, andlower wall portions 202 a, 202 b, and 202 c, a bottom 204, upper andlower fold lines 206 a and 206 b, and quantity or level lines or marks208. The operation of the measuring cup 200 is substantially asdescribed further above for the measuring cup 100.

However, the measuring cup 200 includes a smaller cup or receptacle 210disposed in or on the bottom 204 and formed integrally therewith. Thesmaller receptacle 210 has a smaller diameter than the diameter of thecup 200 at its base or bottom 204, and thus a smaller area. Accordingly,any given amount of liquid (or other material) placed within the smallerreceptacle cup 210 will reach a higher level than would be the case inthe base of the larger measuring cup 200. This allows a more accuratemeasurement of the smaller quantity placed within the smaller receptacleportion 210.

FIG. 3 of the drawings is an elevation view in section of a thirdembodiment of the measuring cup, designated as measuring cup 300. Themeasuring cup 300 includes all of the features of the measuring cups 100and 200 of FIGS. 1A through 2, i.e., a wall 302 having upper,intermediate, and lower wall portions 302 a, 302 b, and 302 c, a bottom304, upper and lower fold lines 306 a and 306 b, and quantity or levellines or marks 308. The operation of the measuring cup 300 issubstantially as described further above for the measuring cup 100.

The measuring cup 300 also includes a smaller receptacle or cup 310 thatmay be installed atop the bottom or base 304 within the internal volumeof the cup 300, generally as in the measuring cup embodiment 200 of FIG.2. However, the smaller cup or receptacle 310 is removable, rather thanbeing permanently and integrally formed with the bottom 304 of the cup300. A small pin 312 or the like extends upward from the bottom 304 intothe interior of the cup 300. A corresponding socket or receptacle 314 isformed in the bottom of the small removable receptacle cup 310. Thisallows the complete interior volume of the cup 300 to be used when themeasurement of a small quantity is not needed, while still providing forthe accurate measurement of a relatively small quantity by temporarilyand removably placing the smaller receptacle cup 310 in the bottom 304of the cup 300.

FIGS. 4A and 4B of the drawings are illustrations of a fourth embodimentmeasuring cup, designated as measuring cup 400. The measuring cup 400includes a peripheral wall 402 and a bottom 404 (FIG. 4B) defining aninterior or internal volume 405. The wall 402 is of a rigid, unitaryconstruction. The cup or container 400 may have a beaker configurationincluding a spout, as shown in FIG. 4A, or may be devoid of such aspout, if desired. The quantity or volume determination means isdifferent in the cup 400 from the cups of other embodiments, comprisinga plurality of transparent horizontal sight windows in the form ofhollow tubes 406 a through 406 e disposed externally on the cup wall402. More or fewer sight tubes can be provided. Each of the sight tubes406 a through 406 e communicates with the interior of the cup 400through a corresponding pair of passages, i.e., passages 408 a through408 e (FIG. 4B). Fluid can flow outward from the internal volume of thecup 400 through the passages 408 a through 408 e and into thecorresponding hollow transparent sight tubes 406 a through 406 e. Anyfluid within the cup 400 will be visible from the outside of the cup asthe fluid flows through any given passage pair 408 a through 408 e andinto the corresponding sight tube 406 a through 406 e, thus allowing auser of the cup 400 to readily determine the level of the fluid withinthe cup. Corresponding quantity, volume, or level indicators 410 can beprovided adjacent to the sight passages 408 a through 408 e.

FIG. 5 of the drawings is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of ameasuring cup, designated as measuring cup 500. The measuring cup 500includes a peripheral wall 502 and a bottom 504 defining an interior orinternal volume 505, the wall 502 being of a rigid, unitaryconstruction. The cup or container 500 may have a beaker configurationincluding a spout, or may be devoid of such a spout, if desired. Thequantity or volume determination means differs in the cup 500 from thecup 400, in that only a single sight window is provided in the form of ahorizontal hollow sight tube 506. Only one such sight window or tube 506is needed in this embodiment, as it is removable from the cup wall 502.A plurality of horizontally disposed passage pairs 508 a through 508 eis provided through the cup wall 502 (the lowermost passages of thepassage pair 508 e is concealed by installed plugs 512). The sightwindow tube 506 is selectively installed in the desired passage pair,e.g., the medial horizontal passage pair 508 c, so that fluid flowsoutward through the passages 508 c and into the hollow sight window tube506 when the quantity within the cup 500 reaches that level. Lower portsor passages 508 d and 508 e are plugged with plugs 512. Correspondingquantity, volume, or level indicators 510 can be provided adjacent tothe sight passages 508 a through 508 e.

FIG. 6 of the drawings is a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of ameasuring cup, designated as measuring cup 600. The measuring cup 600includes a peripheral wall 602 and a bottom 604 defining an interior orinternal volume 605, the wall 602 being of a rigid, unitaryconstruction. The cup or container 600 may have a beaker configurationincluding a spout, or may be devoid of such a spout, if desired. Thequantity or volume determination means differs in the cup 600 from thecup 400, in that only a single sight window is provided in the form of avertical hollow sight tube 606. Only one such sight window or tube 606is needed in this embodiment, as it is removable from the cup wall 602.A single column of vertically disposed passages 608 a through 608 e isprovided through the cup wall 602 (the lowermost passage 608 e isconcealed by one of the installed plugs 612). The sight window tube 606is selectively installed between or across two of the desired adjacentpassages, e.g., the medial passage 608 c and the passage 608 bimmediately above, so that fluid flows outward through the passages 608c and into the hollow sight window tube 606 when the quantity within thecup 600 reaches that level. Lower ports or passages 608 d and 608 e areplugged with plugs 612. Corresponding quantity, volume, or levelindicators 610 can be provided adjacent to the sight passages 608 athrough 608 e.

FIG. 7 of the drawings is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment ofa measuring cup, designated as measuring cup 700. The measuring cup 700includes a peripheral wall 702 and a bottom 704 defining an interior orinternal volume 705, the wall 702 being of a rigid, unitaryconstruction. The cup or container 700 may have a beaker configurationincluding a spout, or may be devoid of such a spout, if desired. Thequantity or volume determination means differs from the measuring cupembodiment 600 of FIG. 6, in that each passage of the single column ofvertically disposed passages 708 a through 708 d terminates in a smalltransparent viewport, respectively 706 a through 706 d, permanentlydisposed through the wall 702 of the container 700. The measuring cup700 is used by installing plugs 712 in passages other than the desiredsingle passage, e.g., the second highest passage 708 b in FIG. 7. Thisresults in the fluid contained within the interior 705 of the cup 700flowing only into the unplugged viewport, e.g., viewport 706 b, toindicate that the fluid has reached that level within the cup 700.

FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of an eighth embodiment ofa measuring cup, designated as measuring cup 800. The measuring cup 800includes a peripheral wall 802 and a bottom 804 defining an interior orinternal volume 805, the wall 802 being of a rigid, unitaryconstruction. The cup or container 800 may have a beaker configurationincluding a spout, or may be devoid of such a spout, if desired. Thequantity or volume determination means differs from the measuring cupembodiment 700 of FIG. 7, in that only a single small transparentviewport 806 is provided. The passages 808 a through 808 d passcompletely through the wall 802 of the cup 800, thus requiring plugs 812for those passages not having the viewport 806 installed therein. Thesingle viewport 806 is removable and is selectively installed in adesired one of the passages 808 a through 808 d, e.g., the third passagefrom the top 808 c. The other passages are plugged by plugs 812 topreclude flow therethrough, as noted further above. In this manner, thedesired quantity or volume of fluid is noted when the fluid in the cup800 reaches a level sufficient to flow into the single viewport 806.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate elevation views in section of additionalmeasuring cups wherein the bodies or walls of the cups comprise openhollow cylinders and adjustable height bottoms installed therein toadjust the internal volumes of the cups. In FIG. 9, the cup or container900 includes a peripheral wall 902 and an adjustable height bottom 904installed therein. The wall 902 has an inner surface 906 defining acontainer interior 905 therein. The bottom 904 comprises a thin, rigidplate that may or may not include a coating of resilient material (e.g.,rubber, silicone, etc.) 908 disposed over the upper surface 910 andcircumferentially about the periphery 912 thereof. In either case, theouter edge or periphery of the plate 904 forms a seal against the innersurface 906 of the wall 902. The lower surface 911 of the bottom plate904 may remain uncoated when the resilient coating 908 is used on theupper surface 910 and the periphery 912 of the plate 904. The frictionalfit between the bottom plate 904 and the inner surface 906 of the wall902 results in the bottom plate 904 remaining in place within the cupwall 902 when adjusted, thus setting the internal volume of the cup 900.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view in section of another embodiment of ameasuring cup having an adjustably positionable bottom. The measuringcup 1000 of FIG. 10 includes a peripheral wall 1002 and an adjustableheight bottom 1004 installed therein. The wall 1002 has an inner surface1006 defining a container interior 1005 therein. The bottom 1004comprises a thin, rigid plate having a coating of resilient material(e.g., rubber, silicone, etc.) 1008 disposed over the upper surface 1010and circumferentially about the periphery 1012 thereof. The outer edgeor periphery of the resilient material seals against the inner surface1006 of the wall 1002. The lower surface 1011 of the bottom plate 1004may remain uncoated. In the measuring cup 1000 of FIG. 10, a compressionspring 1014 is installed beneath the adjustable bottom plate 1004 and aflange 1016 extends inward from the lower edge 1018 of the cup orcontainer wall 1002. A tensile member 1020, e.g., string or cord, wire,etc., is attached to the lower surface 1011 of the bottom plate 1004,and extends downward through the spring and out of the base of the cup1000 beyond the flange 1016. A retainer 1022 is disposed across theopening through the center of the flange 1016, the retainer 1022 havinga small passage therethrough sufficient to provide clearance for thetensile member 1020. Some means of increasing the diameter of thetensile member 1020, e.g., a knot 1024, small clip, etc., is provided inthe tensile member 1020 at a predetermined point to adjust the height orlevel of the bottom 1004 within the cup wall 1002. As the spring 1014urges the bottom 1004 toward the top of the cup 1000 to reduce theinternal volume of the cup, the tensile member 1020 is adjusted to lowerthe bottom 1004 to the desired level and secured by forming a knot 1024below the retainer 1022 to prevent the bottom 1004 from rising due tothe pressure of the spring 1014.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view in section of an eleventh embodiment of ameasuring cup, designated as measuring cup 1100. The measuring cup 1100substantially comprises a wall 1102 and a fixed bottom 1104 defining aninterior or internal volume 1106. The measurement means for themeasuring cup 1100 comprises a plurality of quantity indicator rods 1108a through 1108 d attached to the interior surface of the cup bottom 1104and extending upward into the interior 1106 of the cup 1100. The rods1108 a through 1108 d are all of different heights from one another inorder to indicate different volumes or quantities within the cup 1100.The heights of the rods 1108 a through 1108 d are predetermined toindicate a precise volume within the cup 1100 when the cup is level andwhen the level of fluid contained within the cup is exactly level withthe top of a given rod. A small, flat level indicator can be placed atopany or all of the rods to more precisely indicate the fluid level withinthe cup at that height or level, e.g., the level indicator 1110 disposedatop the highest level indicator rod 1108 a. More or fewer such rods canbe provided, depending upon the degree of resolution desired fordetermining the quantity of fluid contained within the cup 1100.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view in section of a twelfth embodiment of ameasuring cup, designated as measuring cup or container 1200. Themeasuring cup 1200 substantially comprises a wall 1202 and a fixedbottom 1204 defining an interior or internal volume 1206. Themeasurement means for the measuring cup 1200 comprises a single quantityindicator rod 1208 formed of a plurality of smaller rod segments 1208 athrough 1208 d attached to a base rod segment 1208 e that is permanentlyaffixed to the cup bottom 1204, and extends upward into the interior1206 of the cup 1200. Each of the rod segments 1208 a through 1208 e canbe identical to one another in length to indicate equal increments inthe quantity of fluid contained within a cylindrical cup of constantcross section, or the rod segments can be of differing lengths toindicate various predetermined quantities. The various rod segments 1208a through 1208 e can be selectively connected to one another bycomplementary ball and socket fittings, respectively 1210 a and 1210 b,or other known removable connector means.

FIG. 13 is a broken away detailed perspective view of a portion of a cupbottom 1304 having a base rod segment 1308 c permanently attachedthereto and extending upward therefrom. One or more intermediate rodsegments, e.g., rod segment 1308 b, can be assembled atop the basesegment 1308 c, and an uppermost or top rod segment 1308 a is installedatop the highest intermediate segment, substantially as illustrated inFIG. 12 and described above. However, the uppermost rod segment 1308 aincludes a level indicator tab 1310 disposed upon its upper end to moreprecisely indicate the exact level of the cup contents when the fluidreaches the level indicator tab. The specific shape of the levelindicator tab 1310 can be a rectangle, as shown in FIG. 13, or someother regular or irregular shape.

FIG. 14 is a broken away detailed perspective view of a portion of a cupbottom 1404 having a single threaded quantity indicator rod 1408permanently attached thereto and extending upward therefrom. A levelindicator tab 1410 a having a cooperatively threaded passage 1410 bformed therethrough is threadably installed upon the indicator rod 1408,and can be adjusted up and down along the height of the rod 1408 to adesired predetermined level.

FIG. 15 is a broken away detailed perspective view of a portion of a cupbottom 1504 having a single quantity indicator rod 1508 permanentlyattached thereto and extending upward therefrom. The rod 1508 comprisesa major portion 1508 a having a circular cross section and a flange 1508b extending radially therefrom. The flange 1508 b includes a pluralityof notches 1508 c disposed therein. A level indicator tab 1510 aincludes a circular passage 1510 b therethrough having a radialextension 1510 c, the passage 1510 b and the extension 1510 c beingcongruent with the rod portion 1508 a and its flange 1508 b. The levelindicator tab 1510 a can be lowered over the rod 1508 when the extension1510 c of the tab passage 1510 b is aligned with the flanges 1508 b ofthe rod 1508. When the tab 1510 a is lowered to a predetermined quantitylevel as defined by one of the notches 1508 c of the rod 1508, the tab1510 a is rotated about the rod 1508 to capture the internal edge of thecircular passage 1510 b of the tab 1510 a in the selected notch 1508 cof the rod 1508, thereby locking the height of the tab 1510 a on the rod1508.

FIG. 16 is a broken away detailed perspective view of a portion of a cupbottom 1604 having a single quantity indicator rod 1608 permanentlyattached thereto and extending upward therefrom. The rod 1608 comprisesa major portion 1608 a having a circular cross section, with a pluralityof notches 1608 b disposed therein. A level indicator tab 1610 aincludes a slot 1610 b in one side or edge thereof. While the levelindicator tab 1610 a is shown as a triangular shape in FIG. 16, the tab1610 a may have any regular or irregular shape. The level indicator tab1610 a is installed on the rod 1608 by aligning the tab slot 1610 b witha selected one of the notches 1608 b of the rod 1608 to set the heightof the tab 1610 to measure the height of a volume of fluid containedwithin the cup.

FIGS. 17 through 19 are elevation views in section of three relatedembodiments of a measuring cup in which one or more level indicatorfilaments (rubber string, wires, plastic monofilaments, etc.) extendhorizontally across the interior of the cup. In FIG. 17, the measuringcup 1700 includes a wall 1702 and bottom 1704 defining a cup interior1706. A plurality of level indicator filaments 1708 a through 1708 d ispermanently attached to the interior of the cup wall 1702, e.g., bysmall attachment points 1710 disposed at various predetermined heightsalong the cup wall 1702, the heights of the filament attachment points1710 being predetermined to set the levels of the filaments 1708 athrough 1708 d according to predetermined volumes within the cup orcontainer 1700.

In FIG. 18, the measuring cup 1800 includes a wall 1802 and bottom 1804defining a cup interior 1806. A plurality of level indicator filaments,e.g., filaments 1808 a, 1808 b, and 1808 d, is removably attached to theinterior of the cup wall 1802. Each of the filaments includes mutuallyopposed first and second ends, each end having a small socket orreceptacle 1809 installed thereon. The interior of the cup wall 1802 hasa plurality of filament attachment pins 1810 a through 1810 d installedthereon at various predetermined heights along the cup wall 1802. Thepins are disposed as pairs, the two pins of each pair being horizontallyopposed to one another. The heights of the filament attachment pin pairs1810 a through 1810 d are predetermined to set the levels of thefilaments 1808 a through 1808 d according to predetermined volumeswithin the cup or container 1800.

In FIG. 19, the measuring cup 1900 includes a wall 1902 and a bottom1904 defining a cup interior 1906. A plurality of level indicatorfilaments, e.g., filaments 1908 c and 1908 d, is removably attached tothe interior of the cup wall 1902. Each of the filaments includesmutually opposed first and second ends, each end having a small pins orpegs 1909 installed thereon. The interior of the cup wall 1902 has aseries of filament attachment sockets or receptacles 1910 a through 1910d installed therein at various predetermined heights along the cup wall1902. The sockets or receptacles are disposed in pairs, the two socketsof each pair being horizontally opposed to one another. The heights ofthe filament attachment socket or receptacle pairs 1910 a through 1910 dare predetermined to set the levels of the filaments 1908 a through 1908d according to predetermined volumes within the cup or container 1900.

FIG. 20 is a side elevation view in section of a twentieth embodiment ofa measuring cup or container, designated as measuring cup 2000. Themeasuring cup 2000 includes a peripheral wall 2002 defining an interiorspan 2003. The wall 2002 and bottom 2004 of the cup 2000 define a cupinterior 2006. The interior of the cup wall 2002 has a plurality oflevel indicator attachment pins 2010 a through 2010 d installed thereonat various predetermined heights along the cup wall 2002 and extendingfor a short distance into the interior 2006 of the cup 2000. The pinsare disposed in pairs, the two pins of each pair being horizontallyopposed to one another. The heights of the level indicator attachmentpin pairs 2010 a through 2010 d are predetermined to set the levels ofcorresponding level indicators (described below) according topredetermined volumes within the cup or container 2000. A first type oflevel indicator 2008 a comprises a thin, rigid elongate element having alength substantially equal to the interior span 2003 of the cup 2000.The level indicator 2008 a has mutually opposed first and second ends,each end having a small clip 2009 extending therefrom. The clips 2009are adapted to removably grip the two opposed pins of a selected pair ofpins 2010 a through 2010 d, thereby setting the height of the levelindicator 2008 a across the interior span 2003 of the cup 2000. A secondtype of level indicator 2008 b comprises a thin, rigid element having alength substantially less than the interior span 2003 of the cup orcontainer 2000. A single clip 2009 extends from one end of the levelindicator 2008 b for removable attachment of the level indicator 2008 bto one pin of a selected pair of pins, the free opposite end of therelatively short level indicator 2008 b being cantilevered into theinterior volume 2006 of the cup 2002.

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view in section of a twenty-first embodimentof a measuring cup or container, designated as measuring cup 2100. Themeasuring cup 2100 includes a peripheral wall 2102 and bottom 2104defining a cup interior 2106. The wall 2102 has a generallyfrustoconical configuration and defines an internal surface 2101 havinga plurality of steps 2108 a through 2108 e disposed circumferentiallyabout the internal surface 2101 of the wall 2102. Each of the steps 2108a through 2108 e defines a corresponding interior span, respectively2109 a through 2109 e corresponding to different diameters in accordancewith the frustoconical shape of the cup or container 2100. Acorresponding series of thin, rigid level indicators are provided, eachof the indicators having different lengths from one another to span theinterior spans 2109 a through 2109 e across corresponding steps 2108 athrough 2108 e. Two such level indicators 2110 b and 2110 d are shown inFIG. 21, having lengths spanning the corresponding spans 2109 b and 2109d across the steps 2108 b and 2108 d. However, generally only a singleone of the level indicators will be placed across the selected step andinterior span of the container or cup 2100 to set the level to which thecontainer 2100 is to be filled.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate perspective views in section of additionalembodiments of a measuring cup. The measuring cup 2200 of FIG. 22includes a peripheral wall 2202 and a bottom 2204 defining a cupinterior 2206. The interior surface 2201 of the wall 2202 includes aplurality of sockets or receptacles therein corresponding to differentlevels or volumes within the cup 2200, the uppermost receptacle 2208 abeing shown in FIG. 22. The sockets or receptacles provide levelindicator attachment points for a corresponding number of levelindicators. Each level indicator, e.g., the level indicator 2210 billustrated, comprises a thin, flat plate having an attachment arm orpin 2211 extending therefrom. The arm or pin inserts removably into thecorresponding socket or receptacle inside the cup wall. The levelindicators are preferably marked with a quantity or other uniqueproperty to indicate the corresponding level of fluid in the cup 2200when the cup is filled to the level of the indicator. Unused levelindicator attachment points, sockets or receptacles can be sealed withremovable plugs 2212.

The measuring cup 2300 of FIG. 23 includes a peripheral wall 2302 and abottom 2304 defining a cup interior 2306. The interior surface 2301 ofthe wall 2302 includes a plurality of pins 2308 a through 2308 dextending therefrom corresponding to different levels or volumes withinthe cup 2300. The pins provide level indicator attachment points for acorresponding number of level indicators. Each level indicator, e.g.,the level indicator 2310 c illustrated, comprises a thin, flat platehaving an attachment socket 2309 extending from the distal end of anattachment arm 2311. The attachment socket 2309 fits over a selected oneof the pins 2308 a through 2308 d to set the level indicator at thedesired height corresponding to the level desired in the cup orcontainer 2300. The level indicators are preferably marked with aquantity or other unique property to indicate the corresponding level offluid in the cup 2300 when the cup is filled to the level of theindicator.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate additional embodiments of a measuring cup,wherein the level indicators comprise small buoyant floats. Themeasuring cup 2400 of FIG. 24 includes a peripheral wall 2402 and abottom 2404 defining a cup interior 2406. The interior surface 2401 ofthe wall 2402 includes a plurality of sockets or receptacles thereincorresponding to different levels or volumes within the cup 2400.Receptacles 2408 a, 2408 c, and 2408 d are shown in FIG. 24. Quantityindication marks or labels can be provided adjacent correspondingsockets or receptacles, as shown. The sockets or receptacles 2408 a,2408 c, etc., provide level indicator attachment points for acorresponding number of level indicators. Each level indicator, e.g.,the level indicator 2410 illustrated, comprises a buoyant float 2410 ahaving an arm 2410 b extending therefrom. The arm 2410 b is attached toa pin 2410 c by a hinge or pivot 2410 d. The pin 2410 c is selectivelyand removably insertable into one of the sockets or receptacles 2408 a,etc., in the inner surface 2401 of the cup wall 2402. The measuring cup2400 is used by installing the pin 2410 of the level indicator floatassembly 2410 in the selected receptacle or socket and filling the cupor container 2400 until the float 2410 a rises to a level orientation.

The measuring cup 2500 of FIG. 25 includes a peripheral wall 2502 and abottom 2504 defining a cup interior 2506. The interior surface 2501 ofthe wall 2502 includes a plurality of pins 2508 a through 2508 dextending therefrom (the pin 2508 c is concealed by the attachment ofthe level indicator float assembly in FIG. 25) corresponding todifferent levels or volumes within the cup 2500. Quantity indicationmarks or labels can be provided adjacent corresponding pins, as shown.The pins 2508 a through 2508 d provide level indicator attachment pointsfor a corresponding number of level indicators. Each level indicator,e.g., the level indicator 2510 illustrated, comprises a buoyant float2510 a having an arm 2510 b extending therefrom. The arm 2510 b isattached to an extension 2510 c by a hinge or pivot 2510 d. The distalend of the extension 2510 c has a socket or receptacle 2510 e extendingtherefrom. The socket or receptacle 2510 e is selectively and removablyinstalled onto one of the pins 2508 a, etc., extending inward from theinner surface 2501 of the cup wall 2502. The measuring cup 2500 is usedby installing the socket or receptacle 2510 e of the level indicatorfloat assembly 2510 onto the selected pin and filling the cup orcontainer 2500 until the float 2510 a rises to a level orientation.

FIGS. 26 and 27 provide perspective views in section of two additionalembodiments of a measuring cup in which a removable scale is installedwithin the cup immediately adjacent the cup wall. The measuring cup 2600of FIG. 26 includes a peripheral wall 2602 and a bottom 2604 defining acup interior 2606. The wall 2602 has an internal surface 2601 definingan interior span 2609. The wall has an upper rim 2603. The scalecomprises an elongate bar 2608 having a clip 2610 at the upper endthereof, which is adapted to be removably clipped over the upper rim2603 of the cup wall 2602 so that the bar 2608 extends downward into thecup interior 2606 adjacent to the internal surface 2601 of the wall2602. The bar 2608 includes a plurality of level indicator attachmentpoints comprising sockets or receptacles 2612 defined therein, which aredisposed in a vertical array and correspond to various fluid levels inthe cup 2600 when the bar 2608 is properly clipped to the rim 2603 ofthe cup wall 2602. A level indicator 2614 is provided for removableinstallation into a selected one of the level indicator attachment pointsockets or receptacles 2612 of the bar 2608. The level indicator 2614comprises a thin, flat plate having an attachment arm or pin 2611extending therefrom. The arm or pin inserts removably into thecorresponding socket or receptacle 2612 of the scale or bar 2608. Thelevel indicator sockets or receptacles 2608 are preferably marked withquantities or other unique properties to indicate the correspondinglevel of fluid in the cup 2600 when the cup is filled to the level ofthe indicator.

The measuring cup 2700 of FIG. 27 includes a peripheral wall 2702 and abottom 2704 defining a cup interior 2706. The wall 2702 has an internalsurface 2701 defining an interior span 2709. The wall has an upper rim2703. The scale comprises an elongate bar 2708 having a clip 2710 at theupper end thereof, which is adapted to be removably clipped over theupper rim 2703 of the cup wall 2702 so that the bar 2708 extendsdownward into the cup interior 2706 adjacent to the internal surface2701 of the wall 2702. The bar 2708 includes a plurality level indicatorattachment points comprising pins 2712 extending therefrom, which aredisposed in a vertical array and correspond to various fluid levels inthe cup 2700 when the bar 2708 is properly clipped to the rim 2703 ofthe cup wall 2702. A level indicator 2714 is provided for removableinstallation onto a selected one of the level indicator attachment pins2712 of the bar 2708. The level indicator 2714 comprises a thin, flatplate having an attachment arm or pin 2711 extending therefrom and asocket or receptacle 2713 disposed upon the distal end of the arm or pin2711. The socket or receptacle 2713 installs removably onto thecorresponding pin 2712 of the scale or bar 2708. The level indicatorsockets or receptacles 2708 are preferably marked with quantities orother unique properties to indicate the corresponding level of fluid inthe cup 2700 when the cup is filled to the level of the indicator.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to theembodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodimentswithin the scope of the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A measuring cup, comprising: a container having aperipheral wall, a bottom, and an interior; and at least one levelindicator filament disposed across the interior of the container, thefilament defining a predetermined volume within the container.
 2. Themeasuring cup according to claim 1, wherein the at least one levelindicator filament has mutually opposed first and second ends, themeasuring cup further comprising: a socket disposed upon each of theends of the filament; and a plurality of horizontally opposed pinsextending from the wall of the container into the interior thereof, thesockets of the at least one level indicator filament selectivelyengaging two of the horizontally opposed pins.
 3. The measuring cupaccording to claim 1, wherein the at least one level indicator filamenthas mutually opposed first and second ends, the measuring cup furthercomprising: a pin disposed upon each of the ends of the filament; and aplurality of horizontally opposed sockets disposed in the wall of thecontainer and communicating with the interior thereof, the pins of thelevel indicator filament selectively engaging two of the horizontallyopposed sockets.